HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson has begun taking applications for holiday assistance as demand remains high for local families heading into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
Major Paul James said the organization helped more than 800 families and 1,100 children last year, and those numbers have not decreased.
“Our numbers are pretty steady for what we’ve been having post-COVID, which isn’t good, the need is still high,” he said.
Applications for both Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance are open through Dec. 5, but families seeking Thanksgiving food gift cards must apply by Nov. 18. Residents can apply online at saangeltree.org or through a link on the Salvation Army’s Facebook page. In-person application appointments will also be offered Nov. 4, 6, 11, 13 and 18 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson office.
James said economic pressures, including halted SNAP benefits and ongoing financial strain, are creating additional challenges for local families.
“Last year, we helped 100 more children than the year before,” he said. “We don’t see that number going down. It’s definitely going to be harsher for families that are struggling right now.”
While applications continue, the annual Coats for Kids campaign, organized by Ineeda Cleaners, has wrapped up its collection and will distribute winter coats this Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. James said about 350 individuals received coats, hats, gloves and blankets last year, and help will still be available by appointment for those who miss the distribution. “People donate each year to help out in our community,” he said.
The Salvation Army is also preparing for additional food needs. Reno County EMS will hold a food drive Nov. 14–15 to help stock Christmas food baskets, and the local food bank is bracing for increased demand as more families turn to pantries and churches for assistance.
Project Concern, the annual fundraising effort with BW Radio, kicked off this week and will collect donations through 10 a.m. on Nov. 24. Last year, the campaign raised more than $11,500, providing help to 752 families and more than 2,600 people. James said this year’s distribution will be spread throughout the full day to avoid long lines and allow more flexibility for working families.
As the calendar turns to mid-November, the Salvation Army is also gearing up for its Red Kettle campaign. Some kettles will appear as early as Nov. 15, with the official kickoff scheduled for Third Thursday on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. The organization is hiring paid bell ringers and recruiting volunteers, who can sign up at registertoring.com or by calling 620-663-3353.
“We definitely need paid bell ringers, but we need volunteers more than ever,” James said. “On a given day, we need about 18 people.”
Christena and David Weber of Weber Auto Glass will serve as this year’s honorary Christmas chairs, helping promote the campaign and share their support for the Salvation Army’s mission.
Although the uncertainty of the season has created anxiety for some families, James said he remains confident in the community’s generosity. “It’s kind of a scary time with the uncertainty,” he said. “But we know it’ll work out, and this community always steps up.”